Peruvian Religious Beliefs

Peru is a largely Christian country.  Because the country was settled by the Spaniards, they also brought with them their Roman Catholic beliefs.  The country maintains their Catholic heritage which can be seen depicted everywhere with crucifixes and paintings.  There are also Protestant and Evangelic churches in the country.  The Wesleyans are actually a growing denomination in Peru, especially in the jungle via Global Partners missionary activities.  

The native and rural people have beliefs that are mixed between Christianity and traditional beliefs.  In the jungle, witchcraft is common.  Witch doctors are in almost every village.  Many of the people, even the educated individuals believe in the spiritual, whether good or evil, dwelling in people.  Evil is what some attribute to diseases.  When the medical community fails to treat diseases and ailments, most people usually resort to witch doctors.

The country’s primary example of its religious beliefs can be seen with the Cristo del Pacifico in Lima.  It isn't too hard to find because it is a statue of Jesus that stands 122 feet tall in the Chorrillos region along the coast.  It is said to be a copy of Rio de Janero’s Christ the Redeemer statue, except this one lights up, changing color with particular holidays.  It was a sort of farewell gift from the president Alan Garcia that he said was to bless and protect Lima.